I wanted to share an exciting recent announcement from GlycoNet about their continued partnership with Alberta Innovates. Please let me know if you have any questions about this opportunity!

GlycoNet mobilizes Canada’s glycomics expertise into transdisciplinary, focused research and development programs to deliver breakthrough solutions for human and animal health and sustainable agri-food systems.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA (October 15, 2025) – New funding investment will support Alberta-led projects in researching new classes of vaccines, precision diagnostics and targeted therapies for Albertans.
Alberta Innovates and GlycoNet will jointly invest $2 million in a new partnership to support applied research in Alberta with the intent to commercialize technologies that support patient care. GlycoNet is a national organization based at the University of Alberta that drives glycomics-based research – the study of complex sugars (glycans) that control many of the body’s most critical biological processes.
The investment, $1 million from each organization, will accelerate the development of breakthrough therapeutics and diagnostics by advancing this field of study.
Glycomics reveal vital information about how our bodies function. Glycans — sugar molecules coating every cell — regulate immune responses, infections, inflammation, and healing. In 2024, five of the world’s 10 top-selling drugs, including Humira for arthritis, and Keytruda for skin cancers, relied on glycans, generating more than CAD$ 100 billion in sales. Today, approximately 70 per cent of approved therapeutic proteins rely on glycan structures for their effectiveness.
“This investment empowers glycomics researchers in Alberta to move discoveries into benefits such as more precise diagnostic tools and treatments for devastating diseases. We’re passionate about driving the next medical breakthroughs here in Alberta to benefit Albertans, Canadians and globally. GlycoNet is an important partner driving this innovation and showing leadership.” – Mike Mahon, CEO Alberta Innovates.

Over the next three years, the funding will support approximately seven Alberta-led research projects that study glycomics to improve disease detection, treatment, and prevention. These discoveries could potentially enable entirely new classes of vaccines, precision diagnostics, and targeted therapies.
“What makes glycomics so exciting is its untapped potential. We’re opening new frontiers in medicine, enabling the development of innovative vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to address unmet needs. With partners like Alberta Innovates, we are creating next-gen health solutions and building a more resilient, secure future for Albertans and Canadians.” – Dr. Elizabeth Nanak, CEO, GlycoNet

Open grant program:

This program seeks to support the creation of new companies (NewCo) as well as existing start-ups during their initial phase of development. Proposals may request up to $100,000 in funding. Funding terms will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Matching funds and co-investments are preferable, but may not be required. Rolling Call. Review will be conducted on a quarterly basis until the funds are exhausted. Note that this competition is in 3 steps, with the first step being to submit a business case (2-3 pages). For more details see RFP.

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Nicole van Rootselaar, PhD.

(she/her)

Research Facilitator, Health/Medical Sciences

Office of Research and Innovation Services

Office B634

oris.health@uleth.ca

403-332-4433

ULethbridge|Research

4401 University Drive

Lethbridge AB, Canada 

T1K 3M4
ulethbridge.ca

The University of Lethbridge’s Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone. The University is located in traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory. I am grateful to live and work on the traditional land of the Blackfoot people, and continue to learn and honour their traditional ways of knowing in caring for this land, as well as all Indigenous Peoples who have helped shape and continue to strengthen our University community.

All applications/proposals/notices of intent must be approved by the Office of Research & Innovation Services (ORIS) using the Research Proposal Form (RPF) on the Bridge with a copy of the application. Therefore, applicants and co-applicants should allow sufficient lead time for a thorough review at each approval level. The RPF must be received before an application is submitted electronically to a funding agency. The faculty member's responsibility is to ensure that the ORIS receives a completed RPF well before the agency deadline. Visit this page for more information.

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